Hard work pays off for Timaru girl and pony

Dana MacClure, of Timaru, on Jailhouse Rockin', takes a jump at the 2019 South Island Pony Club Show Jumping Championships in Mosgiel this week. Photos: Christine O'Connor
Dana MacClure, of Timaru, on Jailhouse Rockin', takes a jump at the 2019 South Island Pony Club Show Jumping Championships in Mosgiel this week. Photos: Christine O'Connor
There is a little place in every girl's heart for Elvis Presley and ponies.

Perhaps that is why up-and-coming pony rider Dana MacClure cannot help falling in love with her pony, Jailhouse Rockin'.

She likes a little less conversation, and a little more action.

''I like horses more than people. They're easier to deal with.

''I like being able to have such a strong connection with animals.''

Jacob Petrie Taylor, of North Canterbury, on Lulu.
Jacob Petrie Taylor, of North Canterbury, on Lulu.
The Timaru 14-year-old was a ''composite rider'' for the Mosgiel Pony Club during the two-day 2019 South Island Pony Club Show Jumping Championships which ended in Mosgiel yesterday.

Katherine Hadler, of North Canterbury, on Pavlova
Katherine Hadler, of North Canterbury, on Pavlova
The duo reached the finals of several classes.

MacClure was delighted with their success, and said their hard work was starting to pay off.

She and Jailhouse Rockin' attend Nga Tawa Diocesan School - a state-integrated, Anglican girls' boarding school - near Marton, in the North Island, which trains up-and-coming equestrian riders while educating them in traditional school subjects.

The school has seven equestrian coaches who have produced some of the top age-group riders nationally and internationally.

For MacClure, it was one of the reasons she wanted to study at the school.

''It would definitely be very cool if I could represent New Zealand in equestrian as well. It would be amazing.''

MacClure was one of more than 150 riders and 26 teams from across the South Island competing in the championships, hosted by the Taieri District Pony Club at the Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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